Dead or Alive

Jack Ryan, the former president of the United States, is out of office, but not out of the loop about his brainchild, the “Campus” - a highly effective, counter-terrorism organization that operates outside the Washington hierarchy. But what Ryan doesn’t know is that his son, Jack Ryan, Jr., has joined his cousins, Brian and Dominic Caruso, at the shadowy Campus. While a highly effective analyst, young Ryan hungers for the action of a field agent.

Tom Clancy is at his most excellent - true to form on this book. Same old players chasing new, sneaky bad guys. You get detail without getting gore. The current headlines weave into the story with just enough scare to keep you reading. Ties all the ends together. Just a great book.

Holiday Buzz: A Coffeehouse Mystery, Book 12

At the Great New York Cookie Swap, pastry chefs bake up their very best for charity. Clare is in charge of the beverage service, and her famous Fa-la-la-la Lattes make the gathering even merrier. But her high spirits come crashing down when she discovers the battered body of a hard-working baker's assistant. Police suspect a serial attacker whose escalating crimes have become known as "the Christmas Stalkings". Clare'sboyfriend, NYPD detective Mike Quinn, finds reason to believe even more sinister forces are involved.

Food: A Love Story

Stand-up comedian and author Jim Gaffigan has made his career rhapsodizing over the most treasured dishes of the American diet ("choking on bacon is like getting murdered by your lover") and decrying the worst offenders ("kale is the early morning of foods"). Fans flocked to his New York Times best-selling book Dad Is Fat to hear him riff on fatherhood but now, in his second book, he will give them what they really crave - his thoughts on all things culinary(ish).

Not My Father's Son: A Memoir

With ribald humor, wit, and incredible insight, Alan seamlessly moves back and forth in time, integrating stories from his childhood in Scotland and his experiences today as the celebrated actor of film, television, and stage. At times suspenseful, at times deeply moving, but always incredibly brave and honest, Not My Father's Son is a powerful story of embracing the best aspects of the past and triumphantly pushing the darkness aside.

I started this book because I really like Alan Cumming as an actor. I just can't sit through how abusive his father was. Maybe it cuts too close to home. The sections about his current life are interesting and I'm so glad he survived.

Lust, Money & Murder: Books 1, 2, & 3

Born in the worst suburb in Pittsburgh, Elaine Brogan is bright, beautiful and bold. When her father is falsely arrested for passing counterfeit $100 bills, Elaine vows to become a Secret Service agent and track down the man responsible. After barely surviving the arduous Secret Service Training Academy in Laurel, Maryland, she is transferred to bleak and blustery Great Falls, Montana. But things do not go as planned, and Elaine soon finds herself betrayed and thrown into an adventure that takes her halfway around the world, from dark and mysterious Sofia, Bulgaria, to Moscow Russia, and finally, to Milan, Italy.

The Whole Enchilada: A Novel of Suspense: Goldy Bear Culinary Mysteries, Book 17

>Goldy Schulz knows her food is to die for, but she never expects one of her best friends to actually keel over when she's leaving a birthday party Goldy has catered. At first, everyone assumes that all the fun and excitement of the party, not to mention the rich fare, did her in. But what looks like a coronary turns out to be a generous serving of cold-blooded murder. And the clever culprit is just getting cooking. When a colleague - a woman who resembles Goldy - is stabbed, and Goldy is attacked outside her house, it becomes clear that the popular caterer is the main course on a killer menu.

Would you try another book from Diane Mott Davidson and/or Barbara Rosenblat?

I like Barbara Rosenblat, but even in this book there are too many incidental people to keep all the voices distinct. I will probably try the next Diane Mott Davidson novel just to see if it improves.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Instead of wrapping it up, an entire second book gets jammed into the last few minutes. Strange and disappointing. There was lots that would have made a good stand-alone book.

What aspect of Barbara Rosenblat’s performance would you have changed?

I had problems distinguishing some of the voices. Too many side characters.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No. Not enough action for a movie. There could be more teen issues with Arch, girlfriend action from Julian, wacky and stuff from Marla and detective sleuthing from Tom, but this book is not eventful enough for a movie. Some of the earlier ones could be good.

Forbidden Fruit: Corinna Chapman Mysteries, Book 5

Corinna Chapman, owner of Earthly Delights, detests Christmas. The shoppers are frantic and the heat oppressive. Neither of which, this perfect size 20 with a genius for baking breads finds congenial. She's dreaming of quiet, air-conditioned comfort but instead finds herself dealing with a rose-loving donkey named Serena, a maniacal mother with staring eyes, a distracted assistant searching for the perfect muffin recipe, her friend the fearless witch Meroe, and the luscious Daniel with whom she'd like to spend a lot more time.

Seven Year Switch: A Novel

Jill Murray is content living a man-free existence. She's got Anastasia, her 10-year-old daughter, and a sweet little bungalow to call home. Life as a cultural coach didn't turn out quite the way she planned, but between answering phones for Great Girlfriend Getaways and teaching Lunch Around the World classes, the dust in Jill's life is starting to settle. Then her ex-husband comes back.

What did you like best about Seven Year Switch? What did you like least?

I liked the travel information and descriptions of places around the world. I didn't like the uneven behavior of the lead character, Jill. For someone who supposedly pulled her life out of the devastation and desertion of her husband, she seems pretty darn neurotic.

Would you ever listen to anything by Claire Cook again?

Maybe. It was OK - I actually listened through to the end.

What three words best describe Coleen Marlo’s performance?

Crisp, clear, personable.

Did Seven Year Switch inspire you to do anything?

It inspired me to look into women's travel clubs.

Any additional comments?

It's not a bad story, just not very good. The author stops short of commitment to any one emotion - mad, sobbing, hopeful,neurotic, desperate, happy, professional, scramble headed.

Kindred in Death: In Death, Book 29

In this novel from number-one New York Times-best-selling author J. D. Robb, the newly promoted captain of the NYPSD and his wife return a day early from their vacation, looking forward to spending time with their bright and vivacious 16-year-old daughter, who stayed behind. Not even their worst nightmares could have prepared them for the crime scene that awaits them inside.

Silken Prey: Lucas Davenport, Book 23

Very early one morning, a Minnesota political fixer answers his doorbell. The next thing he knows, he’s waking up on the floor of a moving car, lying on a plastic sheet, his body wet with blood. When the car stops, a voice says, "Hey, I think he’s breathing." And another voice says, "Yeah? Give me the bat." And that’s the last thing he knows. Davenport is investigating another case when the trail leads to the man’s disappearance, then - very troublingly - to the Minneapolis police department, then - most troublingly of all - to a woman who could give Machiavelli lessons.

Classic Lucas Davenport novel. Great pacing, loved Richard Ferrone (he is the perfect narrator). Lots of twists and turns, but you can still follow the plot. I like how Sandford keeps the same side characters (Dell, Elle, Letty) and has Lucas work with them all.

What other book might you compare Silken Prey to and why?

You might also enjoy "The Burglar" books, also narrated by Richard Ferrone. Bernie Rhodenbarr (lead character) is a likable sort - similar to Lucas.

What does Richard Ferrone bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ferrone brings a warmth to the story. He paces the thoughts and actions appropriately.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

NO, it was a great commuting book. 45 minutes in the morning and at night.

Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer. Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries....

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